As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores cosmetic breast surgery, clarifying what procedures involve and, crucially, how they are viewed by private health insurance providers.
Navigating the world of cosmetic surgery and private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex. Many people wonder if their health insurance policy will cover procedures like breast enlargement or a breast uplift.
The short answer is almost always no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and curable. Elective cosmetic surgery, chosen for aesthetic reasons, falls outside this scope.
However, the line can sometimes blur, particularly when it comes to reconstructive surgery or complications. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know.
Breast enlargement, clinically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to increase breast size and enhance shape. It remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for women in the UK.
There are two primary methods:
Why do people choose breast enlargement?
A breast uplift, or mastopexy, is a different procedure designed to address sagging or drooping breasts (a condition called ptosis). It doesn't significantly change the size of your breasts, but rather reshapes them for a firmer, more youthful contour.
During a mastopexy, the surgeon:
Often, a breast uplift is combined with an enlargement (an 'augmentation-mastopexy') to achieve both volume and lift.
Why do people choose a breast uplift?
This is the most critical point for anyone considering surgery: Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover elective cosmetic surgery.
PMI policies are built on a clear principle: to restore your health when you fall ill with an unexpected, acute condition. An acute condition is one that appears after your policy starts and can be resolved with treatment.
Cosmetic surgery, like a breast enlargement chosen for aesthetic reasons, is considered a "lifestyle choice" rather than a medical necessity. Insurers specifically list it as a standard exclusion in their policy documents.
Every policy has a list of what isn't covered. For breast surgery, these are the most relevant exclusions:
It's vital to read your policy documents carefully to understand these limitations. A PMI broker like WeCovr can help you decipher the small print and understand exactly what is and isn't included in your cover.
While purely cosmetic procedures are excluded, there are specific medical circumstances where breast surgery may be covered by a high-level private health cover plan. These situations shift the procedure from 'cosmetic' to 'reconstructive'.
This is the most common exception. If you have undergone a mastectomy (removal of a breast) to treat breast cancer, most comprehensive PMI policies will cover the cost of breast reconstruction. This is considered an essential part of your recovery and restoration of health.
Coverage typically includes:
In rare cases, surgery to correct a significant congenital breast deformity might be covered. An example is severe breast asymmetry (where the breasts are substantially different in size or shape) that causes significant physical or psychological problems.
To be considered for coverage, you would need:
This is a grey area, and coverage is decided on a case-by-case basis.
This is another complex scenario. Let's say you had cosmetic breast enlargement years ago, and an implant ruptures, causing a medical issue like a capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant).
Your PMI policy might cover the cost of:
However, it will not typically cover the cost of replacing the implant for cosmetic reasons. You would likely have to pay for the new implant yourself.
The NHS has very strict criteria and generally does not perform cosmetic surgery. However, like PMI, it may provide surgery for reconstructive or psychological reasons.
Scenario | NHS Likelihood of Funding | Notes |
---|---|---|
Purely Cosmetic Enlargement | Very Unlikely | Not considered a medical need. |
Reconstruction Post-Mastectomy | Very Likely | Considered a standard part of cancer care. |
Severe Asymmetry | Possible | Requires proof of significant physical or psychological distress. |
Breast Reduction | Possible | Requires evidence of persistent back/neck pain, skin irritation, or psychological distress. A high BMI may be a barrier. |
Gender Affirmation Surgery | Possible | Available through specialised gender identity clinics, but waiting lists can be very long. |
If you decide to self-fund your surgery, it's important to have a clear idea of the costs. Prices vary based on the surgeon's experience, the clinic's location, and the type of implants used.
Here is an estimated range of costs for private breast surgery in the UK.
Procedure | Estimated Cost Range (UK) | What's Typically Included |
---|---|---|
Breast Enlargement (Implants) | £6,500 – £9,000 | Surgeon & anaesthetist fees, hospital costs, implants, follow-up appointments. |
Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) | £7,000 – £9,500 | Surgeon & anaesthetist fees, hospital costs, follow-up care. |
Combined Enlargement & Uplift | £9,000 – £12,000+ | All fees and costs associated with both procedures in one operation. |
Fat Transfer Augmentation | £7,500 – £10,000 | Includes liposuction, fat processing, and injection. |
Important Note: These are guide prices. Always get a fixed, all-inclusive quote from your chosen clinic after your consultation.
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you will make. Your health and results depend on it.
Check their Qualifications:
The Consultation is Key:
Review the Clinic and Aftercare:
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
A successful outcome isn't just about the surgery itself; it's also about how you look after yourself during the recovery period.
Your body needs fuel to repair itself. Focus on a balanced diet rich in:
All WeCovr clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, which can be a fantastic tool to support your recovery diet.
While we can't find you a policy to cover elective cosmetic surgery, our role as an expert PMI broker is to ensure you have the best possible protection for your overall health.
Even if your focus is on a cosmetic procedure now, having robust private medical insurance UK provides peace of mind for future, unexpected health challenges.
Ready to secure your health and well-being with the right protection?
Get your FREE, no-obligation private medical insurance quote from WeCovr today! Our friendly experts will compare the market to find the perfect cover for you.